Most of the earliest Western universities were founded by the Catholic Church, such as the University of Paris, which began in 1150. The oldest U.S. university, Harvard, was founded in 1636 to train Puritan clergy and 10 of its first 12 presidents were ministers. Its early motto was Veritas Christo et Ecclesiae, meaning "Truth for Christ and the Church."

Today, even when devout faith is deemed as politically incorrect, many students seek benefits provided by private religious universities that emphasize moral values. "Education without values, as useful as it is," said British author C.S. Lewis, "seems rather to make man a more clever devil."

It is now considered unusual when college students choose to live in accordance with high moral values. Brigham Young University is one religious university that requires its students to live by an honor code. The substance of the BYU honor code includes tenants inherent in Christianity as well as many other religions. Some of the requirements are to live a chaste and virtuous life, to be honest, to use clean language, to respect others, to participate in church services, to be modest in dress and grooming, and to abstain from drinking alcohol, tobacco, tea, coffee and substance abuse.

In spite of what some perceive as onerous restrictions, many religious universities, including BYU, receive far more applicants than they can accommodate. Obviously, many prospective students believe attending a school that emphasizes religious values offers advantages.

Employers value character

Employers want workers with technical skills, but of even more importance for many employers is finding people who will make good, honest employees. An article for glassdoor.com notes some of the traits most valued by employers include integrity, thoughtfulness and kindness.

"[These traits] may not show up on everyone's best traits list, yet they build teamwork, collaboration, loyalty and motivation with your co-workers," the article reads.

A Pew Research Center study found "a clear link between what people see as essential to their faith and their self-reported day-to-day behavior. Simply put, those who believe that behaving in a particular way or performing certain actions are key elements of their faith are much more likely to say they actually perform those actions on a regular basis." While religious individuals or institutions don't have a monopoly on good behavior, a link does exist between a strong dedication to faith and positive daily behavior.

Better learning environment

While some young adults go to college to party, too much play is at odds with the quality of learning. Studies from addiction.com note that college drinking can lead to problems like depression, sexual promiscuity, assault, and poor academic performance.

In contrast, BYU topped The Princeton Review's "stone-cold sober" list for the 18th consecutive year in 2015. The remaining top five included three other religious schools and a military academy: College of the Ozarks in Missouri; Wheaton College in Illinois; Grove City College in Pennsylvania; and the U.S. Military Academy in New York. Schools that adhere to religious values are not completely without problems such as alcoholism, mental and emotional disorders, and assault, but these institutions do experience a better atmosphere for learning.

Support for values

Many people who have strong religious beliefs gain strength and support from being around others who share similar values. A study by the Pew Research Center found that people who identified themselves as highly religious also "are more engaged with their extended families, more likely to volunteer, more involved in their communities and generally happier with the way things are going in their lives." Not only do religious schools offer a community of support for those with similar beliefs, but they also provide an environment for further social connections.

Safe environment

Similar to providing a better learning environment, religious school have a noticeably lower crime rate. The FBI reports crimes at colleges "are one of the most troublesome social problems in the nation today. Not only does it affect those involved in the criminal incident, but it also hinders societal growth and stability." As a general rule, crime rates at religious institutions are lower because of the moral values of attendees and because the environment tends to be more controlled.

Monetary value

While tuition costs are high at some private colleges, other religious schools compare favorably with the cost of public schools. For example, among Utah colleges, collegestats.org reported that the tuition cost for LDS students at BYU was $4,850, significantly less than some of its public university counterparts (compared to Utah State University, $5,118; University of Utah, $6,511; Western Governors University, $5,780; and Southern Utah University, $5,208), even for out-of-state students.

Intellectual Enhancement

While public education attempts to separate learning from moral values, a connection between the two is exactly what draws many students to religious colleges because they recognize the seemingly paradoxical value in such a connection.

"I wish to express sincere gratitude...for the opportunity to learn with others in a blended setting of faith and scholarship," comments BYU graduate student, Anne Staffieri. "The experience has changed me both mentally and spiritually and left a lasting impression on my heart and soul."

Faith and scholarship are hardly associated anymore, especially not in a positive light, but Staffieri's experience is common among many students attending religious universities. They find themselves intellectually stimulated and engaged while also spiritually inspired. Noah Webster, noted to be the "Father of American Scholarship and Education," stated that, "Education is useless without the Bible," also affirming that secular learning, when connected with religious morals and study, enhances intellect rather than takes away from it.

Such sentiments may not be considered politically correct, but they remain the basis for most religious colleges, including BYU, and have proven themselves to be beneficial for students.

The post 6 reasons why you should consider a religious school appeared first on FamilyToday.

Invariably, when a mom discovers she can't always do everything, the one area she won't let slide is her duty to her children. She'll forego buying a new purse if it means her son can have the top brand of soccer cleats. She will give up a lunch date with a close friend to run to school with a child's forgotten assignment.

While such an attitude is commendable, there are times when a mom does her children a disservice by responding to their every beck and call. In some cases, putting her own needs first makes a woman a better mom. Here are some reasons why:

1. Happy mom, nicer mom

Dealing with children can be frustrating. A frazzled mother sometimes lashes out in anger. When you get upset with your children, feel free to put yourself in time out if it keeps you from doing or saying something you might later regret. In this case, putting yourself first means walking away rather than doing something that might cause long-term damage to your relationship with your child.

2. Happy mom, happy kids

Children are emotional mirrors. They reflect the attitude of their parents. When you handle life with joy and optimism, you will see those traits reflected in your children. Do what brings you happiness, otherwise your children will struggle to be happy as well. You can't fool them.

3. Moms need to breathe

In their pre-flight instructions, attendants note that in the event of an emergency, parents traveling with children should secure their own oxygen masks before helping their offspring. That is because if your brain is starving for oxygen you might not be able to save your children. This is also a metaphor, and can be applied to your life in multiple ways. For example, if you are struggling to juggle all of your responsibilities, your children may suffer. Prioritizing what is most important, and letting go of unnecessary burdens, will allow for more breathing room and less stress.

4. Teach children to fish

The old saying goes, "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a meal. Teach him to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." The same principle applies to children. Instead of spending countless hours picking up after your children, teach them to scrub their own toilets, cook their own meals and do their own laundry. They'll complain about it, but they need to learn to do those things, and you may save your own sanity in the process. You are a mom, not a maid.

5. Balance

It's OK to be the strict mom if you can also be the fun mom when the occasion allows. You can't help your children discover what they love most unless you understand what you enjoy. A proverb dated to an English text in 1659 says, "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy." It is still true more than 300 years later. You children need to see that you have interests and pleasures that don't involve making meals or trying to coerce them into making their beds. What did you enjoy doing in high school or college? Go to a concert. Take a hike. Read a book.

6. Not guilty

A study in Great Britain found that 81 percent of working mothers felt some guilt over not being at home with their children. All moms feel guilty about something. Perhaps you wish you spent more time helping with homework or preparing healthy meals. The unconditional love of a mother means she is able to look past the mistakes of her children. The best moms also have short memories about their own shortcomings. To be your best, you need to overcome your personal guilt and accept and improve upon your imperfections. Do the best you can.

7. Learn from others

The smartest moms recognize that they don't know everything. As a result, they try to learn from others. In order to do that, you must have relationships with your peers - other moms in similar situations. It is perfectly acceptable for you to let someone else watch your childen on ocassion while you go do something fun with your friends. In fact, those breaks are essential. You will have a good time, and the things you bring back from those associations will undoubtedly help improve your own family relationships.

In "Hamlet," William Shakespeare wrote, "To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man." It is an important lesson for mothers. By finding ways to improve yourself, you end up being a better mom.

The post 7 reasons moms should put themselves before their children appeared first on FamilyToday.

Let them miss school

Some parents think it's OK for children to miss school for things like a family vacation or a bad hair day. A recent National Center for Children in Poverty report found that when children missed just a few days of school in early grades it had a significant impact on their learning in later years.

Allow them to stay inside

Do you remember the days before satellite and cable television, computers and video games? No matter what the weather was like, moms sent their children outdoors to entertain themselves. According to environmental psychologist Nancy Wells, playing outside is not only healthy it will also improve your child's cognitive abilities and reduce symptoms of ADHD.

Be their friend

When children approach the rebellious teen years, many parents fear losing a close relationship with a child. They forget their role as parent and try to be a cool buddy instead. Teens need structure, stability and guidance. Under a barrage of peer pressure, it can be hard for teens to say no; they need a parent who is willing to say it for them.

Organize every moment of their day

Yes, piano lessons, dance, soccer and chess club can all benefit your child, but unstructured play (read: free time) is something adults and children need. Unstructured play encourages creativity and improves their problem-solving skills.

Protect them

Let's be perfectly clear: it's your job to protect them from danger. But children learn and grow by overcoming challenges and conquering fears. It is good for them to go down the really long slide at the playground even when they are afraid. Encourage them to touch a goat or a snake at a petting zoo. Help them learn to swim in the deep end of the pool.

Hover

This trend, also known as helicopter parenting, involves parents don't let their kids out of their sight and is growing problem for children of all ages, including college students. (Yes, some parents have contacted the university president when their adult children experience roommate problems.) Children of helicopter parents often struggle to cope with the challenges of school or the workplace. Not surprisingly, college students with over-involved parents have a harder time succeeding.

Do their laundry

If you want your child to still be living at home at age 30 while you cook his meals and do his laundry, don't teach him how to do it himself. A list of daily chores with a few incentives will help him become independent and learn the value of hard work and rewards (you know, like, how to earn a paycheck for rent each month).

Build their self-esteem

Everyone needs love and healthy does of self-esteem. But some researchers suggest too much encouragement could have a dark side. Dr. Steven Stosny, who specializes in treating people with anger and abuse issues suggests that high levels of self-esteem could lead to entitlement. "When the world does not meet their entitlement needs, many with high self-esteem feel wronged and retaliate with manipulation, abuse or violence," he says. His advice: focus instead on teaching children to value others as well as themselves.

Sometimes the key to being a great parent is stepping back and letting children figure out how to resolve challenges by themselves. If they don't, parents might find themselves turning out to be the problem instead of a solution.

Check out the Free To Choose Network for great resources on the importance of teaching kids responsibility in improving the world.

The post 8 ways you may be setting your child up for failure appeared first on FamilyToday.

Raising children is both joyful and difficult. Heightened emotions mixed with challenging situations create frustration. Not knowing how to respond effectively, parents sometimes react with anger and spank their children, or worse.

Nicholeen Peck, a parenting mentor and author of "Parenting A House United," said, "When a parent spanks a child out of anger and emotion the parent has not practiced justice; they have just been emotional. These all-to-common emotional spankings are signs of parent weakness and disconnection from principles of discipline."

Most adults never receive formal training about how to be parents. When children misbehave, they often spank simply because they are not sure what else they should do. Here are seven ways parents can discipline children without getting physical:

Offer rewards

For parents who want a positive approach, it is important to understand the difference between rewards and bribes. Bribes are not effective and tend to reinforce bad behavior. Rewards are earned through predetermined good behavior and must be decided upon ahead of time. They cannot be determined in the heat of anger.

Withhold privileges

This method is effective because it can be suited to the age of the child and the severity of the bad behavior. A young child who doesn't pick up his toys might lose the chance to play with them for a day. An older child who fails to meet a curfew might lose his cell phone for an appropriate number of days.

Time outs

Child expert Amy Morin writes that "time out" is an effective discipline method for children ages 3 to 12. "Establish a time out area that will be free of distractions and can provide your child with an opportunity to calm down. For small children who are not likely to be able to sit still, a time out room may be the best option. For older children, a chair or steps may be used."

Assign an additional unpleasant chore

These tasks can range from scrubbing a garbage can or cleaning the wheels on a vehicle to cleaning a cat litter box. Children should have regular daily chores and an assigned consequence if they don't do them. This should be a little something extra.

Have a chat

For some children, a conversation where a parent expresses disappointment about the behavior is worse than a spanking. Sometimes the bad behavior results in its own punishment. For example, a parent repeatedly tells a child not to leave a toy or bicycle in the driveway. Eventually it is run over. The punishment is the loss of the toy. All the parent needs to do is explain the relationship between actions and consequences.

Grounding

This is an oldie but a goodie. Parents have been grounding children almost as long as they have been spanking. For many children, having to miss time with their friends is far more painful and memorable than being spanked.

Require restitution

It is important for children to understand that bad behavior often comes with a cost. If a child throws a football in the house after being told to stop and breaks a lamp, having him pay all or part of the cost for a replacement is reasonable. It is a worthwhile lesson even if it requires the parent to provide work the child can do to earn money

For discipline to be effective, it is important to establish the rules and the punishments beforehand. Parents must handle infraction with calmness and consistency-even when they are angry, frustrated and want nothing more than to lash out with emotion.

Disciplining children is hard. Chip Ingram from Focusonthefamily.com wrote, "You are the only one in the world with the primary responsibility of giving your child what he needs, not what he wants. Sometimes that means you have to lay down the law. Afterward, you may have to go close yourself up in the bedroom and, with tears in your eyes, tell your spouse how bad you feel for being so hard on your kids."

Even though providing effective and consistent discipline is a challenge, the rewards are worth it when children grow up to be well-behaved, responsible and polite.

The post 7 ways to discipline children without spanking appeared first on FamilyToday.

That is undoubtedly the most common question parents ask when they speak with the author of a book about parenting skills.

The answer is simple: More than any other skill, parents should teach their children to work. That means working hard by every imaginable definition: doing things the right way, being smart and not taking shortcuts.

Legendary football coach Vince Lombardi said, "The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Work is the key to success, and hard work can help you accomplish anything."

The best method to instill this trait entails parents regularly working alongside their children.

Before becoming Utah's lieutenant governor, Spencer Cox gave up a prestigious career as a city lawyer and took a big pay cut to move to a small town and work in a family business. He told a newspaper reporter he made the change because he was concerned about how he would be able to teach his children to work. He knew the task would be simpler in a rural area with acres of land and animals to tend.

In an agrarian society like that which existed throughout the U.S. and most of the world until the middle of the 20th century, it was easy for parents and children to work side by side. Today parents usually work away from the home. They go to an office for many hours, and when they return home they are frequently tired and want to relax. They often hire a service to maintain the lawn and someone to come in and clean the house. Repairs and maintenance are also hired out.

The result is that many children grow up without seeing their parents do much work. They see them leave in the mornings and come home at night.

Teaching children to work must go beyond a chore list tacked to the refrigerator, although making children responsible for daily tasks is a good starting point. One requirement of the family life merit badge asks Boy Scouts to "prepare a list of your regular home duties or chores (at least five) and do them for 90 days. Keep a record of how often you do each of them." It is one of the toughest merit badges for boys trying to earn the Eagle Scout rank, the highest award for boys in scouting. One reason is that few boys today are required to regularly do five home chores.

Family First, a non-profit organization focused on strengthening families, recommends that parents assign daily chores but advises against paying children for doing those tasks. "Work in the family is an intrinsic value and is fundamentally worthwhile. Compliment; encourage; throw in the occasional treat... . Admire their good work, but don't reassign the value of expected work to the false value of cash. However, consider paying your children for jobs that go above and beyond their normal responsibilities."

One benefit of teaching children how to work hard is that it translates to success in any field or endeavor. Inventor Thomas Edison said, "The three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile are: hard work, stick-to-itiveness, and common sense."

Parents who are concerned about how they will pay for their children's college tuition could perhaps provide greater lifetime value by teaching them to be dedicated workers. The best Ivy League education is of little worth to someone who is unwilling to work hard.

Pope Paul VI, who headed the Catholic Church from 1963 through 1978, explained that, "All life demands struggle. Those who have everything given to them become lazy, selfish and insensitive to the real values of life. The very striving and hard work that we so constantly try to avoid is the major building block in the person we are today."

In modern society many children and adults suffer from stress-induced maladies - physical and mental. Nothing relieves stress better than hard labor. Hard work cleanses the soul. It's like a reset button for bodies and minds. It is equally curative for children, adolescents and adults.

As Thomas Jefferson is credited with saying: "Determine never to be idle. No person will have occasion to complain of the want of time, who never loses any. It is wonderful how much may be done, if we are always doing."

The post The number one thing parents need to teach their children appeared first on FamilyToday.

Parents and students tend to focus their back-to-school efforts on stocking up on school supplies and buying clothes. Parents - especially those with young children - should instead focus their attention on things that will ensure the safety and security of their children at the beginning of a new school year and help them have a positive back-to-school experience.

Here are some recommendations from an experienced teacher and from other expert sources like WebMD.com:

1. Have children memorize important phone numbers and names

In an era when data is stored on phones and tablets, even adults often don't know basic information that might be important in an emergency.

2. Fill out those emergency contact sheets immediately

They are usually sent out before the start of school or handed out on the first day. Give complete information including cell phone numbers and email addresses. Those first few days of class are hectic. Invariably, there is a student with a problem and no way to reach a parent because the sheet has not been turned in yet.

3. Attend back-to-school events

These are good times to meet teachers and other school officials. With so many new children and new faces, it is not the time to try to corner the teacher to discuss your child's special needs or issues.

4. Establish routines

A couple weeks before the start of school, set regular times for going to bed and for waking up and getting dressed. Establishing the schedule in advance will minimize the chance for a meltdown on the first day of class.

5. Do walk-throughs

Make sure your child is familiar with the route to and from school. If there is a bus or car pool, go to the pick-up and drop-off points. Make a plan for what to do if something goes wrong. Siblings should know where to meet each other after school. Children dropped off before school starts need to know where they should wait and where and when they can enter the building.

6. Have an after-school schedule

Designate a specified time for homework and/or study every day. An established routine will mean fewer battles over time. Make sure school work takes precedence over video games, television, playing with friends, etc.

7. Plan for sick days

When both parents work, dealing with a child who is ill and can't go to school can be a challenge. WebMD recommends: "Before school begins, line up a trusted babysitter or group of parents that can pinch hit for each other when children get sick. And make sure you know the school's policy. You may have to sign forms ahead of time listing people who have your permission to pick up your child."

8. Communicate with the teacher

If your child has special needs or concerns like severe allergies, the teacher needs to know. Write a detailed note or email, or set an appointment to talk with the teacher outside of class time.

9. Work as a team

If you feel your child needs additional help, brainstorm with the teacher about possibilities to help the child. Many teachers have great experience helping with all kinds of children. Be willing to try all ideas. Keep an open mind when working together and keep trying until the child's needs are met.

10. Recognize your personal role as a teacher

School-age children spend 70 percent of their time away from the classroom. Any individual teacher normally has about 180 days to interact with a child and that time is typically divided among 20 to 30 other children. The primary responsibility for educating a child resides with the parent. Teachers and schools are resources.

The beginning of each school year is important because it can set the tone for the student's progress and enjoyment of learning throughout the year. Teachers, parents and students can accomplish great things when working together for the benefit of each child.

The post 10 tips for a positive back-to-school experience appeared first on FamilyToday.

Regardless of age or personality, there are some key elements for helping children find happiness. These elements can generally be divided into structure or support. Structural elements are things that help children feel secure and stable. Examples include providing consistent rules and boundaries and establishing routines. Support elements provide an emotional foundation and help children feel safe.

Here are some examples:

Eat real meals at regular times

Children like schedules. They like to be able to look at a clock and know that lunch is at 12:30 and dinner is at 6. More than that, they like to share those mealtimes with a parent. There are numerous scientific research studies about the benefits of family meals including things like lower rates of drug use and lower rates of teen pregnancy. Other studies show significant health benefits for children who eat home-cooked meals on a regular basis.

Have set bed times

Katie Hurley, a child and adolescent psychotherapist and parenting expert wrote: "Kids need to learn how to sleep. It's up to us to teach them. When they are completely exhausted, they are cranky. When they are well-rested and ready to embrace the day, they are happier."� Bed times must be consistent. When parents give in to begging and allow children to stay up late, the message kids get is that they can get their way if they beg or cry with sufficient determination.

Schedule spontaneous play

Again, there are many studies touting the benefits of unstructured play on the development of young children. In an overscheduled world, it can be difficult to find time for child's play. A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that children without unstructured play time experienced higher levels of stress.

One solution is to schedule blocks of open time without homework, music lessons, sports practices, etc. Instead of letting children fill those blocks with television or computer games, send them outdoors to build a fort, catch bugs or just to play kids' games. Children who have not had much experience with unstructured play might need some guidance from an older sibling, cousin, friend or even a parent.

Be together

A 2007 study by The Associated Press and MTV asked teens and young adults what made them happy. The top answer was spending time with family. Three-fourths of the respondents in the same survey said they like to spend time with their parents. Young children like family activities even more than older children do. Activities with extended family and family traditions create connections and bonds that can help children develop confidence and feel secure.

Don't hover

Sometimes there can be a fine line between spending quality time with children and too much smothering. The term "helicopter parenting"� refers to parents who become over involved in their children's lives and activities. According to Parents.com, "Helicopter parenting can be revealed through a parent ensuring a child has a certain teacher or coach, selecting the child's friends and activities, or providing disproportionate assistance for homework and school projects."� Children need to experience both success and failure for proper emotional development. They also need to know their parents trust them enough to do things on their own.

Be an example

Happy children come from families with happy parents. Parents can teach their children to be grateful and humble by exhibiting those traits themselves. Conversely, when parents are critical or depressed they often pass those attributes on to their children.

It seems most of us seek happiness in our lives. That pursuit starts in childhood and can be nurtured by providing meaningful opportunities that encourage happiness. What does it mean to be happy? That is for each of you to decide.

The post 6 things children need for true happiness appeared first on FamilyToday.

Many older people grew up in households with a single bathroom. When every prince and princess shared a single porcelain throne, establishing rigid guidelines about cleanliness and maintenance were essential.

Today many children enjoy the fortunate circumstance of having their own bathroom or of sharing it with only one or two siblings. Yet these same children are often not required to clean these bathrooms. That creates false expectations about life and robs them of valuable opportunities to learn life skills.

In referencing bathroom cleaning, the website www.choresandchecklists.comexplains: "Enlisting the troops is essential. But you already know that you want to get your kids cleaning - that's why you're here. You know that involving kids in chores not only saves time (eventually) but they learn skills that are essential in their adult lives."�

Here are some of the beneficial lessons children can learn from scrubbing toilets:

1. Deal with problems when they occur

Boys and young men are notorious for shooting wide of the target. Wiping up errant sprays immediately prevents accumulated stains and odor. As in many other life situations, delaying and ignoring issues makes them more difficult to clean up later.

2. Don't expect others to clean up your crap

Not asking children to clean bathrooms does them a disservice by giving them false expectations. Every person makes messes and the world functions better when people clean up after themselves.

3. Don't whine, just do it

Invariably there are selfish people who refuse to accept responsibility for problems they create. Teach children that instead of arguing and accusing, it is usually easier to fix the immediate problem before worrying about assigning blame.

4. No task is beneath anyone

In Boy Scouts young men learn that a leader must be willing to complete any task that he asks of others. It is easier to convince a child to clean a toilet if she has seen her dad, mom and siblings perform the task.

5. There is value in any job done well

When children do well in sports, school, music or other activities, awards and applause often follow. There are no cheerleaders in a bathroom, so children might wonder about the point of doing something thankless and unremarkable. Having the privilege of using a clean and sanitary bathroom can help teach them that in many instances, proper completion of the task is its own reward.

Parenting expert and author Nicholeen Peck and her husband appeared on the BBC television show World's Strictest Parents. As part of the program, they hosted a young man from England at their Tooele, Utah, home. Because all of their children help with chores, their English visitor, James, was assigned to clean the bathroom, something the 17-year-old had never before done.

Peck wrote, "I will never forget the look on James' face "� when I showed him how to clean a bathroom. He was so proud of himself. He said, 'When I get back home I am going to surprise my mom by cleaning our bathroom. She will be so surprised that I know how.'"�

Peck noted that like most people, James craved learning to work and was proud that he learned a new skill. Most children don't ask for new assignments, but after the fact, they are happy they are a bit more self-sufficient.

Cleaning a toilet is not glamorous or exciting, but by learning to do it well children demonstrate that they are ready to take on assignments that carry more responsibility.

The post 5 things kids learn from cleaning the bathroom appeared first on FamilyToday.

Nineteenth century American Author Washington Irving said, "There is certainly something in angling that tends to produce a serenity of the mind."�

That is one of many reasons fishing is a great activity for children as well as adults. Most children seem inherently fascinated by the chance to catch a fish. It gives them a chance to be outdoors near water, and it helps them forge a direct bond with nature.

Fortunately, introducing children to fishing is simple. Even for parents who might not be avid anglers.

The first consideration should be choosing the right water and the right type of fish. Ponds and lakes are generally preferable over rivers or streams because it is difficult to fish in moving water. For novice anglers, panfish like Bluegills are widely distributed and eager to bite. Depending on the location and time of year, fish like White Bass, Crappie, or planted Trout are also good options.

The real key is creating a situation where catching fish is almost a certainty. For young anglers, nothing is more exciting than actually catching a fish.

No matter their age, children will want to hold their own fishing pole and do their own casting. That means starting with simple equipment.

"Pick a rod and reel that is age-appropriate and compatible with your fishing goals. An inexpensive closed reel is suitable for younger kids. Optimally, bring more than one rod per child, even if the backups are pre-owned garage sale fare. This will help maintain fishing momentum when mishaps occur,"� recommends www.ehow.com.

It is important to match the tackle to the type of fish one hopes to catch. Once, I was fishing on a community pond and catching many hand-sized Bluegills. Another man with two young children set up a few feet away. While my bait seldom sat for more than a minute before another fish would bite, they did not catch anything.

I could see the discouragement of the children, and I offered to help them. The man rigged their fishing pole with large bobbers and large hooks. He threaded a plastic worm on each hook. I showed him the Bluegill I was catching and noted that the mouths of the fish were much smaller than the hook he was using. The bobbers were also so large that if a fish bit, it would not be able to pull the bobber under water. Also, the large plastic worms he selected were not appropriate bait for Bluegills.

I gave them some tackle and rigged their rods to match mine. I tied on some small hooks, added a small weight a few inches above the hook, then baited the hooks with a small piece of a real worm. Instead of using a bobber, I showed them how to watch for line movement as a sign that a fish was biting.

Just a few minutes later both children were catching fish and squealing with pleasure.

Here are some other tips to help ensure a successful outing with children.

Choose the proper line

In most cases, that means a light line. When going after fish that weigh one or two pounds, there is no reason to use heavy line with a 30-pound breaking strength. Heavy line can actually scare fish away, and it makes it more difficult to detect strikes.

Optimize the chance for catching fish

Talk to other local anglers and check online fishing reports. Choose a location where recent outings have been productive. Ask for advice at bait shops.

Use the right bait

With children, that usually means natural baits like worms, grubs or minnows. Artificial lures can be very effective under the right conditions, but their successful use often requires more skill and finesse than most children possess.

Remember the ultimate goal is having fun

If you haven't caught any fish after an hour, chances are the children will get restless. Call it a day and go do something else. Or, take a break and do something else for a while. Turn over some rocks and try to catch a Crayfish.

Obey the regulations

Laws and rules for fishing vary. Sometimes, within the same state. Be certain you know the legal requirements for the body of water where you plan to fish. Nothing spoils a fun outing more than a hefty fine.

The most important thing is: Just do it. Don't be dissuaded. Fishing is a sport where no matter what happens, everyone who participates is a winner.

Former U.S. President Herbert Hoover said this about fishing: "To go fishing is the chance to wash one's soul with pure air, with the rush of the brook, or with the shimmer of sun on blue water. It brings meekness and inspiration from the decency of nature, charity toward tackle-makers, patience toward fish, a mockery of profits and egos, a quieting of hate, a rejoicing that you do not have to decide a darned thing until next week. And it is discipline in the equality of men - for all men are equal before fish."�

The post Teaching children how to fish appeared first on FamilyToday.

I liked pop music, television, reading and sports. My grandpa's world consisted of cattle, horses, hay and farming equipment. We did not get to spend much time together. Yet, I treasured each opportunity.

According to www.helpguide.org, "Grandparents have the benefit of interacting on a level that is once removed from the day-to-day responsibilities of parents. This can make it easier to develop a close bond with grandchildren."�

As an adolescent, I knew my parents weren't cool. However, for some reason it did not matter whether grandpa was cool. If my parents asked me to get out of bed at 7 a.m. on a Saturday to do some chore, I complained and ranted. If my grandpa woke me at 5 a.m. to help him milk cows in a cold barn, I went willingly.

Grandpa and I never did any fun or recreational activities together. Yet, whatever task he was doing he would let me tag along. If he was fixing a tractor, I could watch and hand him tools. If he was doctoring an injured animal, I was by his side. If he was feeding hay to some cattle in a distant field, I would push the hay bales off the back of the trailer to the cows that followed along.

Through my grandfather's example, I learned many lessons as I work to establish strong relationships with my own grandchildren.

My grandpa treated me with respect

He talked to me like I was a person, not a child. If I asked a question, he provided the real explanation - not merely a simplified answer he thought I would accept.

He showed me new things

My grandpa's world was completely different from my normal life. Exposing me to things that were new and different wasn't difficult. Today, when my grandchildren visit, I try to introduce them to experiences they don't have at home. We might go swimming in a lake. Perhaps, we'll look for lizards in the desert. Maybe we'll plant seeds in a garden bed.

We still do things that are familiar to them and that I know they will enjoy. But, I make an effort to steer them toward new activities.

He let me try

Grandpa let me do things my parents would not. He always supervised and made sure it was safe. He took me to shoot guns. He showed me how to sit on a stool and milk a cow. When I wanted to drive his big flatbed truck, we went out to a big open field, and he put me behind the wheel. It was quickly apparent that I wasn't tall enough to reach the pedals, or strong enough to turn the steering wheel. Instead of telling me I was too little, he allowed me to discover it for myself.

He told me stories

My grandpa grew up without a furnace or television. He knew my mom when she was a young girl. He could teach me things about my family that no one else could.

Patricia H. Holmes, of the Ohio State University Extension service, wrote that grandparents can act as family historians by sharing stories of the past. "These stories may be about relatives, important events, family traditions, the grandparent's own childhood or the grandchild's parent growing up. As the stories of the family are passed on, the grandchild gains a positive image of aging and his place within the family. Grandparents and their stories can be the 'glue' which keeps the family together and contributes to family identity."�

He spent time with me

Because my grandpa lived 2,000 miles away, it was usually a year or more between visits. During those visits, he let me join in whatever he was doing. We rounded up cows. We baled hay. We fixed broken fences. I'm sure my presence and assistance often meant that grandpa would only accomplish a fraction of what he needed to do. But, he never acted as if I were in the way or slowing him down.

He was generous

My grandpa did not have much when it came to material possessions. Yet, every time I visited he bought me a new cowboy hat. As I got older, I learned I had to be cautious. If I expressed admiration for his fishing rod, his knife or his belt, he would hand it to me and tell me it was mine.

He loved me

My grandpa could be gruff and crotchety. But, he was always happy to see me. When I turned 19 and went to Iceland for two years to do missionary work for my church, he wrote me a handful of letters. He only attended three years of school. I know it was a time-consuming and difficult process for him to sit at his kitchen table and scratch those words onto paper. I don't remember what he wrote, but I can picture him sitting there writing to me when he probably needed to be working in the barn.

Today, as I strive to forge family bonds with my grandchildren, I remember the lessons from my grandfather. I don't need to know how to play the latest video game or like the same music. I just need to love my grandchildren and spend meaningful time with them.

The post How to relate to your grandchildren appeared first on FamilyToday.